UPTOWN Magazine

08/03/2026

Comedy. Culture. Legacy. 🎤🔥

Before the sold-out shows, blockbuster films and unforgettable celebrity impressions, Affion Crockett was just a kid making his mother laugh and watching Def Comedy Jam.

In our exclusive interview, the comedian, actor, and writer opens up about the legends who inspired him, his heartfelt memories of the late Kiki Shepard, why today’s comedians must master the business of entertainment, his love for Caribbean travel, and what’s next in his already remarkable career.

This is the Affion Crockett story you’ve never heard before.

Read the full feature now! 👇🏾

Affion Crockett talks comedy roots, memories of Kiki Shepard, mastery of the business, and building franchise-level films. Read now!

08/03/2026

Glaciers, gourmet dining, and pure elegance. 🌲🚢✨

There are few destinations that inspire awe quite like Alaska, with its towering tidewater glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and incredible wildlife encounters around every bend. But experiencing the Inside Passage aboard Holland America Line’s flagship, Koningsdam, transforms a bucket-list trip into an elevated journey of discovery.

From signature dishes by Chef Morimoto highlighting regional seafood to cozy coffee mornings at the Grand Dutch Café and thrilling glacier helicopter landings, every detail onboard is designed to enhance the breathtaking wilderness outside.

Planning your next luxury getaway? Read our full review on why the Koningsdam is the definitive way to sail Alaska. 👇🏽

Experience Alaska in style on Holland America’s Koningsdam. Discover glacier views, fine dining, and elevated luxury in the Inside Passage.

07/30/2026

A room is waiting for you in Edgartown!

📅 August 15–21
📩 email [email protected] for more information.

07/24/2026

Plas Johnson’s saxophone was woven into the soundtrack of American life - even if many people never knew his name. The legendary tenor saxophonist, who passed away yesterday at the age of 94, helped shape generations of music through an extraordinary career that spanned jazz, film, television, and pop.

Best known for the unforgettable saxophone on Henry Mancini’s iconic The Pink Panther Theme, Johnson’s unmistakable sound could also be heard alongside legends including Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and countless others. As one of Hollywood’s most in-demand session musicians, his artistry elevated hundreds of recordings and film scores, leaving an indelible mark on American culture.

Today, we celebrate a musician whose brilliance often shined behind the scenes but whose influence will resonate for generations. Rest in power, Plas Johnson. 🎷🖤 Your music - and your legacy - will never fade.

07/20/2026

The 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture felt like a massive family reunion wrapped in Black joy! ⚜️✨

For three action-packed days in New Orleans, attendees experienced unforgettable music performances alongside empowering activations that put Black women, business, and community at the center.

From Coca-Cola’s interactive Shine City activation with Eva Marcille to Disney’s announcement of its Tiana’s Joyful Celebration exhibit tour, legacy media panels with The Proud Family creators, and a thriving Beautycon showcase featuring Cliff Vmir, the weekend was a celebration of culture from every angle.

Click the link below to read our full recap on how ESSENCE Fest 2026 brought everyone together:

The 2026 ESSENCE Festival felt like a family reunion filled with Black joy, star performances, and activations from Coca-Cola and Disney.

07/19/2026

Guess the moment! This is an easy one, so just comment, “Got it,” when you do, so others may guess too.

07/16/2026

Hollywood has lost one of its quiet giants.

We honor the life and remarkable legacy of veteran actor Hal Williams, whose warmth, talent, and enduring presence graced television and film for more than five decades. From memorable roles on Sanford and Son, The Waltons, and 227 to appearances in countless other beloved productions, Williams helped shape generations of Black representation on screen with authenticity, dignity, and grace.

His performances weren’t always the loudest, but they were consistently unforgettable - leaving an indelible mark on audiences and inspiring countless actors who followed.

Today, we celebrate a career defined by excellence, resilience, and timeless storytelling. Rest in power, Hal Williams. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the legacy.

🕊️ 1938–2026

#227

Image: Monica Morgan / WireImage

07/10/2026

Food, fashion, and community—the three pillars that make New York City the cultural blueprint. 🗽✨

Tomorrow, July 11th, Complex’s Family Style Food Festival is taking over Pier 36 on the waterfront. This is not your average food fest; it’s a massive collision of the city's tastiest culinary spots and the hottest streetwear brands, complete with live entertainment and exclusive, limited-edition merch collaborations.

We’re talking exclusive drops from independent icons and dishes you can only get this weekend. If you want to experience the true pulse of contemporary NYC culture, music, and community, this is exactly where you need to be.

The gates open at 12 PM. Pull up hungry and drop a 🍔 in the comments if we’ll see you on the waterfront!

07/09/2026

Black women continue to redefine television excellence. 👏🏾🎬

A huge congratulations to visionary directors Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Hanelle Culpepper on their 2026 Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series. Culpepper earned recognition for Paradise, while Richardson-Whitfield made history with two nominations in the same category for The Gilded Age and Task - an extraordinary achievement that underscores her remarkable impact behind the camera.

From breaking barriers to setting new standards for excellence, these powerhouse storytellers continue to shape the future of television - one unforgettable episode at a time. Their nominations are more than personal milestones; They’re a celebration of Black creativity, leadership, and the stories that deserve to be seen.

Congratulations to two amazing women whose vision is inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. 🏆✨

07/07/2026

A monumental moment of pure resilience, elegance, and grace. ❤️✨

Following a weekend celebrating the depth of contemporary R&B legacy on a massive scale, the energy shifted to a deeply intimate and emotional tribute as Monica took the spotlight once again to accept the prestigious Luminary Award at the ESSENCE Black Women in Music Awards.

The honor carried profound weight, made even more poignant following the recent passing of her father. As she accepted the award, the room filled with an overwhelming outpouring of love and reverence from fellow artists, close friends, and generations of fans who gathered to uplift the icon.

The Luminary Award stands as a testament to Monica’s extraordinary, decades-long career, her status as a musical vanguard, and the unmatched strength she continues to show through it all.

Click the link below to view our "Quick Pic" feature and read more on this unforgettable celebration of a true icon. 👇🏾

ESSENCE honored Monica with the Luminary Award at the ESSENCE Black Women in Music luncheon in New Orleans.